To encourage you to send letters like this to your schools?

[NameChange2271]

Name changed for this as apparently it’s an unpopular opinion; but I think it’s important to protect our children.

Please can I encourage you to send a letter like this into all your children’s schools.

Dear Headteacher

I am writing to inform you that (Child Name) is exempt from wearing a face covering of any kind, as per government legislation.

There are many exemptions from wearing a face mask, which incorporate hidden disabilities, including but not limited to:

(I) because of any physical or mental impairment or illness or disability (Section 6 of the equality act 2010)

(II) without severe distress

Section 6 of the equality act states that schools must not discriminate against a student because of their disability.

I am concerned that my child will be singled out for not wearing a mask and would like to remind you that this is also discriminatory.

(Childs Name) is under no obligation to provide proof of this exemption and is protected from doing so by the Data Protection Act 2018

I have also sent a copy of this letter to our solicitors.

Kind Regards
(Your Name)

Has your child actually got a disability which makes them exempt for wearing a mask? Or have you just made up some bollocks (which it looks like) and mentioned your solicitor to make it look like your bollocks actually holds some weight? And you’re actually trying to encourage other parents to send your bollocks to their schools, even if their children aren’t disabled and they (probably) don’t have a solicitor?

Well he just shows his pass - job done - no drama

So he either wears a mask or if he is exempt he shows the staff his exemption. What’s the issue?

Most people will be able to wear a mask. Too many are looking for reasons to be exempt which is making it harder for the minority who genuinely can’t wear them

My child is 11 and asthmatic and copes fine.

I dont have a solicitor.
Im certainly not instructing one for this scenario either.

No thanks op. That's a terribly rude letter which will do nothing to help your son.

@ZeDotMeister

What exactly is people’s problem with wearing a face mask??

Come on, you’re on MN. You surely know they cause sensory distress for some people.

I try to wear mine where possible but am pregnant and have suffered badly with nausea. If I need to remove it then I do and will.

But there is no point being argumentative and threatening for the sake of it.

Don’t be so fucking ridiculous!

If your child is genuinely exempt then simply speak to the school like a grown up and explain this.

If you or your child are throwing a tantrum because you think wearing a mask is an infringement on your right to spread a dangerous virus then bugger off back under your bridge.

No.

The schools have a massive headache atm and I will not whinge on about shit that'll make their jobs harder.

If my autistic child can sit and build up to get used to a facecovering then id hazard a guess that most other kids can. Even ashmatics have been advised to practise so they can get used to it.

Stop bloody whining and get on with it.

Oh @NameChange2271, please send the letter to your solicitor. They love a good laugh!!
Top tip: don't talk rubbish.

What exactly is people’s problem with wearing a face mask??

I agree, particularly for the short amount of time that they are changing classes or going to lunch.

If your child is genuinely exempt, make a point of that, but do it politely.
If not, you are basically saying “i think my child is entitled to endanger your child for no good reason”

If he’s exempt, presumably he can get a pass?

If he’s not exempt he should be wearing one.

I find it interesting that you've just said 'to encourage letters like this' and not have it followed by 'if your child has a disability that prevents them from wearing a mask'.

Seems like you just don't want your kid to wear a mask 🤷🏽‍♀️

Yup you will be 'that parent' why would you send a copy to your solicitors 😂 is your child not able to wear a mask or have you foisted your views upon them?

YABU. If you are going to send such a letter at least make sure it's legally correct.

EA2010, s6 just defines the protected characteristic of disability, that's not the right provision to refer to. I don't think the Data Protection Act does what you think it does either.

@pigeonsfeather

I personally really dislike the references to ‘that parent’ on here. There is nothing wrong with being ‘that parent’ if you need to be.

However I do feel that that letter is far too much.

Totally agree with you

@pigeonsfeather

I personally really dislike the references to ‘that parent’ on here. There is nothing wrong with being ‘that parent’ if you need to be.

However I do feel that that letter is far too much.

Then, OP is being THAT parent. As clearly it's too much.

@pigeonsfeather

Yes I get that but I’m talking about the people who refuse to wear one for no good reason.

Fair enough your child cant wear a mask, what's wrong with having to say hes exempt to a couple of teachers? It's really no big deal. You're making a mountain out of a mole hill.

You are encouraging everyone? Including people whose children can wear a mask? Or just those with children who can't. I presume there is more to this? Otherwise I would think starting with a phone call to say "I'm concerned about teachers / pupils understanding and acceptance of why some people are exempt from mask wearing. Can you tell me how that is handled?"

@NameChange2271

School have made masks compulsory in corridors and the dinner hall. They are giving passes to exempt students but I don’t want my son pestered by every teacher about where his mask is.

Why does it need to be so combative? If he's got a pass he can just flash it at them as soon as they ask.

My DD had a medical condition which meant she had to sometimes leave a class. She had a pass. If anyone asked her why she was out of lesson she just whipped it out of her pocket and they let her be.

School is hard enough for kids and teachers, why make this a big deal?

Do you even have a solicitor?

As the mother of an exempt child I think you're being ridiculous, why can't your child just show their pass if that's what the school rule is?
The only thing that an OTT letter like that will do is going to create conflict, could you just email or call the head and have a reasonable discussion?

I can understand writing a note to school to explain why your child can't wear a mask (if they really can't) but why on earth do you need to mention the solicitor?!

I clicked on this thread thinking it was going to be about sending a thank you letter to school for everything they're doing at the moment 😂 Clearly I am far too naive for Mumsnet today!